After a long period of development GP2GP was finally released in New Zealand in 2012. GP2GP is an electronic patient record transfer system allowing patient files to be transferred from practice to practice when patients transfer to a new General Practitioner. Each transfer can, in theory, be completed in near real time but generally at our practice files are transferred or received within 48 hours of the initial transfer request.

The driving force behind the development of GP2GP was to provide a way of transferring notes that was secure and provided better continuity of care. It also avoids using transfers of paper notes or the use of CDs and memory sticks, which are all equally insecure and rely on the postal system for their movement from practice to practice. It also saves valuable time for administrators and clinicians alike.

North Coast Radiology, the leading provider of Medical imaging services within the Northern Rivers region, recently invested in a new MRI service for their Ballina Rooms. In an effort to make the new state of the art facility as welcoming for patients as possible, they commissioned local photographer Dane Hodkinson of DB Hodkinson Photography to capture some local landmarks to put on the wall.

Australians deserve a world class health system with access to services provided by highly-skilled doctors, nurses and allied health professions.

This must be underpinned by a strong and sustainable Medicare.

Last month I organised a phone hook-up between three local doctors and two nurse practitioners, and the Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash so that our health professional could directly tell the Government about the health needs of our community.

Over the coming months, the new Health Minister Sussan Ley, who has already visited Page, will be engaging in a wide-ranging consultation on the ground with doctors and the community across the country in order to come up with sensible options to deliver appropriate Medicare reforms.

Ensuring that those who have the means to do so make a modest contribution to the cost of their care.

Like our local health services, I am committed to protecting Medicare and ensuring that it continues to provide access to high-quality health care.

Ministers Ley, Nash and I are always happy to hear the views of the medical profession, so please feel free to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any suggestions or concerns.

On Saturday 21 February 2015 Imogen's Farm Wines is sponsoring a fund raiser for the local chapter of GROW with all profits from the event assisting the orgnanisation move into their new home, Gunnawannabe, in South Lismore.

The day promises to be a sumptuous affair with an Italian feast by Roberto Contstana and dolce by Faith Newham with plenty of support from other local food and wine producers.

It may also be a riotous affair with Mandy Nolan as compere backed up by our very own Dr Harry Freeman on piano.

Mental disorders account for the third largest source of disease burden in Australia, those with severe mental illness living from 10-32 years less than the general population. This gap has grown in recent decades. It is estimated that two-thirds of these early deaths can be attributed to inadequate access to medical care, poor diets, insufficient exercise, medications that induce weight gain and subsequent lifestyle-related diseases.

So what role can exercise play in managing mental disorders, and closing this life expectancy gap?